Cascade de la Billaude
(Saut Claude Roy)
Cascade de la Billaude is one of the more photogenic waterfalls in the Jura (France) and is located south of Champagnole.
From Champagnole drive south over road N5 for 10,5 kilometers and then turn left to Cascade de Billaude, there is also a blue sign “Cascade” which means waterfall. After a few hundred meters you can park your car (gps 46.681428, 5.936792). It was a long time ago I visited Cascade de Billaude and May 2022 I decided to go the waterall again. In my memory everything was different but in real life the waterfall was even more beautiful.
From the car park it is a short walk to the first viewpoint where you can see Cascade de Billaude from a higher level. From here you also have a good view on the many smaller drops in the river “la Lemme” upstream.
An even better view is from the second viewpoint. Walk a little further and go down to the second viewpoint, more on eye-level. I think from here the views are even better but walk further down to the river and walk towards the base to see how beautiful Cascade de Billaude actually is.
Officially the waterfall has two names: Saut Claude Roy and cascade de la Billaude. Although there isn’t a beautiful hike attached to the visit, children will like it if you go down to the river.
Because of cascade de la Billaude is situated in a gorge the best time to visit is at noon when there is enough light reaching the waterfall.
One of the best waterfalls you can visit in the Jura isn’t far away and is a must to visit: Cascades du Herisson near Doucier!
